TimeformBlog

Noble Alan is a useful hurdler/chaser. Finished strongly when third in a Chester handicap (11f) in June, but found less than looked likely over 2m at York last time. May do better back at this trip.

Tartan Gigha resumed winning ways at Carlisle in June, and in cheekpieces (retained) would have finished closer had he not been hampered at Beverley last month. Not in same form at Haydock last time, though.

Watts Up Son was enterprisingly ridden to get back to winning ways at Carlisle (9f) in June, and again seen to best effect when runner-up at Ayr last month. Turned in a shocker at Ripon last time, though.

Kathleen Frances won 3 handicaps in 2010 and, though on a long losing run, this strong-travelling mare has done little wrong this term. Probably best to ignore opening polytrack effort last month. Blinkers now on.

Suegioo is from a smart middle-distance family, and placed all 3 starts in maidens. Better form when just touched off on handicap bow despite not settling, and he remains with plenty of potential.

Full Speed was well backed when winning 1½m handicap at Newmarket for Alan Swinbank last July, but off 13 months after and well held both runs starting out for new yard.

Tricksofthetrade is a dual bumper winner who showed improved form to get off the mark on Flat at Southwell in February. Has shaped quite well on occasions since and back in handicaps on a fair mark.

Xclaim is clearly not the easiest to train, but off the mark at second attempt for this yard in a 1¼m handicap at Pontefract in July. May well have been amiss given he was beaten miles at Redcar last month.

Maneki Neko was a dual winner in 2010 but lightly raced in recent seasons, making the racetrack just once in 2011 and well held on 2012 return at Catterick last month. Has lots to prove.

Queen's Estate put up an improved effort when making all in 11f heavy-ground handicap at Hamilton in July. Runner-up at Leicester 11 days later, and not seen since being found out in a hot Goodwood handicap last month.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Suegioo
2. Queen's Estate
3. Noble Alan

Timeform Verdict: Suegioo remains with plenty of potential after just 4 career starts, and this bigger field should help him settle back up in trip. Fellow three-year-old Queen's Estate needs considering back in calmer waters, with Noble Alan also of interest.

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Chasing Dreams got off mark at the second time of asking in 5f Catterick maiden late last month, easing clear to beat Megaleka 4 lengths. Definitely more to come from this one.

Scentpastparadise Won a Beverley maiden at the end of July and followed up in a 6f Redcar nursery. Ran no sort of race in valuable sales at York last time but this a more realistic assignment

Lady Poppy won a Catterick maiden in June and a York nursery in July (both 5f). Respectable fourth at Thirsk on penultimate start and not disgraced in face of stiff task last time.

Bispham Green is yet to win but progressed steadily since contesting nurseries, runner-up for the third start running when going down by only ½ lengths to The Taj at Ascot (5f) last time. Should go well again.

Rhagori Aur was a decisive winner on debut in 5f Thirsk maiden. Not built on that since, though set a couple of stiff tasks along the way and latest fourth at Beverley shows she can be competitive in nurseries.

Done Dreaming was well backed when winning 5f maiden at Ayr in late July and put a disappointing run in a Thirsk claimer behind him when landing a C&D seller last time. This harder but still can't rule out

La Sylphe was much improved when making a winning nursery debut on AW at Southwell (5f) last month and solid placed efforts on turf since, headed only close home when ½-length second at Newcastle last time.

Lady Calantha has been well held in 3 maidens for Richard Hannon but showed she has some ability when 1¼ lengths second of 5 to Done Dreaming in a C&D seller last time. Will need to step up on that to take this, though.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. La Sylphe
2. Chasing Dreams
3. Bispham Green

Timeform View: The speedy La Sylphe will be well suited by this track and is just preferred to Chasing Dreams and Bispham Green in what looks a competitive nursery.

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Colour Vision is an improved performer in 2012, backing up his Group 3 Sagaro Stakes success with a gutsy display to land Group 1 Ascot Gold Cup. Third under a penalty in Goodwood Cup since, and concedes weight again.

Aaim To Prosper is a smart performer, runner-up in a listed race at Sandown 2 starts back, though form still falls short of what is required in this. Also has to put a very poor effort in the Goodwood Cup behind him.

Askar Tau won this race in 2009 and has run to a similar level on a couple of occasions this term, including when second to Saddler's Rock in the Goodwood Cup. One of lesser efforts at York last time.

High Jinx is a progressive 4-y-o, winning handicap at Newmarket in June and finishing a fine second to Times Up in the Lonsdale Cup at York last time. Extra 2f shouldn't be a problem and one to consider.

Hurricane Higgins was seemingly stimulated all round by unique test when narrowly landing a 21f handicap at Goodwood in August, and also ran well when third in similar event there last time. This looks much tougher, however.

Masked Marvel made great strides in 2011, winning 3 times, including St Leger. Largely disappointing in 2012, however, running poorly dropped to Group 3 level at Newbury last time. Blinkers now tried.

Saddler's Rock has developed into a high-class stayer, landing Doncaster Cup last autumn and the Goodwood Cup in August. Rare disappointing effort in the Lonsdale last time but still sets the standard here.

Times Up got back to best for in-form yard when winning the Lonsdale Cup at York in August by 2¼ lengths from High Jinx. 2f longer trip no concern with conditions on the quick side and a major contender.

Never Can Tell enjoyed an excellent 2011, rounding off with victory in Cesarewitch. Has made the frame only once this season, however, and biting off more than she can chew up in this grade.

Repeater had a busy campaign at 2, winning twice, and in the frame in handicaps all 3 starts this term at up to 13f. Will need to improve significantly for the longer trip in order to be involved.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Saddler's Rock
2. High Jinx
3. Times Up

Timeform Verdict: Last year's Leger winner Masked Marvel has plenty to prove at present and is passed over. Saddler's Rock may have disappointed at York, but that was surely a one-off looking at his overall record and he is taken to repeat last year's win.

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Cracking Lass made up into a useful performer last year, and finished fourth in this event. Respectable fourth in listed race at York on recent return but another minor role looks on the cards.

Wild Coco is unexposed after just 6 career runs, and made successful return from absence of nearly a year when winning Lillie Langtry Stakes at Goodwood. Given plenty of time to recover and leading contender.

Ambivalent is a progressive filly, winning 3 of 5 starts, most recently a listed race at Newbury last month. Looks ready for this step up in grade and is one to consider, with trip unlikely to be an issue.

Bite Of The Cherry is progressive, taking form up another notch when 5-length winner on handicap bow at Newmarket (13f). Only fourth in listed race at York last time, however, and this even tougher

Estimate is a highly progressive filly who followed Salisbury maiden win with easy victory in Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot. Good third to Wild Coco in Lillie Langtry last time and this track should be more suitable.

Gallipot is a well-bred filly who is very much on the up, winning 11f handicaps at Kempton last 2 runs. This a big step up in class, though, and stamina has to be taken on trust.

Hazel Lavery was firmly back on the up when winning soft-ground 1½m Newmarket listed event in July by 3¾ lengths from Dorcas Lane. Disappointed in Lillie Langtry last time, however, and others preferred.

Kailani is a daughter of Kazzia. Made winning start at Yarmouth and dotted up in Newmarket listed race on return. Failed to handle track in Oaks but looked lacklustre in Ribblesdale last time.

Monshak chased home subsequent Irish Oaks victor Great Heavens at Yarmouth on debut before taking Chepstow maiden and 1¾m Chester handicap. Refused to race (visored) last time, however.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Wild Coco
2. Estimate
3. Ambivalent

Timeform View: Sir Henry Cecil (5) and Sir Michael Stoute (4) have won this race 9 times between them over the years, and they both have solid claims of further enhancing their record, saddling Wild Coco and Estimate respectively, the former fancied to come out on top again. Ambivalent is another to consider.

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Confessional won a 5f Chester handicap in May and since made frame in Group/listed races 3 times, third to Borderlescott in Beverley Bullet on latest. Entitled to go well again whilst finding one or 2 too good

Desert Law was useful at 6f in 2011, and even better back at 5f this term, defying mark of 101 in Shergar Cup Dash at Ascot in August. Little impact whenever upped to listed company previously, including last time

Kingsgate Native was a dual Group 1 winner in his younger days, but not got his head in front since 2010 Temple Stakes. Left Sir Michael Stoute to join trainer with good record with sprinters, and goes well fresh.

Masamah is a front-runner who has returned to form of late, facing competition for lead and caught wide when second to Borderlescott at Beverley last time. Warrants respect with cheekpieces replacing blinkers.

Noble Storm was twice a winner from just 4 starts in 2011, but current campaign has plainly been a disappointing one. Plenty to prove as things stand.

Nocturnal Affair was useful in South Africa and won the Portland here last year. Further improvement at Meydan this season, and encouraging return at Tipperary last month. Found Nunthorpe all too much next time

Pabusar is not easy to predict but smart when putting best foot forward, as when second to Hamish McGonagall in this grade at York in July. No obvious excuse when behind couple of these at Beverley last time

Roicead ia prominent racer who enjoyed cracking 2011 campaign for Brendan Duke, winning 3 times. Changed yards and stopped too quickly for comfort on recent return, soft ground offering only a partial excuse

Sole Power is an out-and-out speedster who went close in Temple Stakes (won in 2011) and King's Stand earlier in the summer, before being undone by draw in Nunthorpe (won in 2010). Looks a cut above rest of these

Valbchek enjoyed an excellent start to the season, making it 2 from 2 in 6f Tattersalls Millions at Newmarket. Close eleventh in bunch finish to Jersey since. Tries 5f for first time against established speedsters.

Excelette returned to winning ways when fending off Spirit Quartz in a 5f listed race at Haydock in June and ran well at Ayr next time. Behind a number of these in King George since, though.

Timeless Call is useful when at her best, and resumed winning ways in a Dundalk handicap earlier this month. All but one of 4 wins have come on polytrack there, and needs to prove herself as effective on turf.

Jwala is a progressive filly who brought up hat-trick when defying mark of 88 at Goodwood early last month (dead-heated with Lady Gibraltar). Will clearly need to improve another chunk upped in grade.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Sole Power
2. Kingsgate Native
3. Masamah

Timeform View: A listed event which contains a couple of established Group 1 performers in the shape of Kingsgate Native and Sole Power. The latter has far fewer questions about him and really should take advantage of these terms to gain a deserved first success of the season. Kingsgate Native is interesting in his own right, whilst Masamah should also give it a good go.

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Bronze Prince landed the International Stakes in 2011 for John Gosden, and back to winning ways at Lingfield (1m) in May. Well below form in hot handicaps since but at least won't find this as competitive.

Head of Steam won 3 times over sprint trips in France, and stepped up significantly from comeback run for new yard when fourth in 7f Newbury handicap last time. Interesting to see how he progresses.

Albaqaa won pair of big-field handicaps last summer. Made slow start to the year but shaping better now, having excuses last 3 runs. 1m+ suits him ideally, however.

White Frost reeled off a hat-trick in 7f handicaps first 3 starts in 2011, and right back to best when second at York in July. Below form in hood last 2 starts, though.

Ducal was progressive for Sir Mark Prescott and continued in same vein for this yard, winning 3 times on AW and running well at Goodwood last 2 starts. Probably wouldn't want ground too fast, though.

Common Touch progressed well in 2011, winning twice over 7f at York. Slow start to year but back to form in cheekpieces when winning handicap at Newmarket last time. That form is working out well and respected.

Sea Soldier got off the mark at the fourth attempt in maidens over this trip at Warwick last summer. Not seen since shaping with some promise on return in April but is still lightly raced for a 4-y-o.

Kingscroft won 7 times last year. Served notice he was coming back to boil when good neck second at Catterick in June, and might have found next 2 runs coming too soon. Not ruled out on return from break.

Democretes was a dual scorer at 2 yrs and some respectable efforts in handicaps at Newmarket this term. Not dismissed dropped another 1 lb.

Amazing Amoray was a maiden winner here (6f) at 3 yrs and shaped well on return from lay-off when fourth in handicap over C&D last week, making most. Worth considering on that despite 1 lb out of weights.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Common Touch
2. Kingscroft
3. Head of Steam

Timeform Verdict: Common Touch bounced back to form in cheekpieces when winning at Newmarket last month and is fancied to follow up with that form receiving several boosts since. Kingscroft, Head of Steam and Amazing Amoray complete the shortlist.

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Petella won twice last season and now back on her last winning mark. Not seen to best effect when fifth at Musselburgh recently (sent off favourite) and better expected on this stiffer course.

Descaro won twice in 2011 but has left the impression he's merely been going through the motions of late. Is potentially well handicapped if a first-time hood helps get his mind back on job, though.

Jawaab is potentially well treated and promise when placed on both starts for new yard in recent weeks, second to Looks Like Rain over 2m at Wolverhampton last time. Obvious chance off same mark.

Grand Art was twice successful over hurdles in 2011 and back to winning ways on Flat when scoring by 5 lengths at Musselburgh (2m) last week. Player under penalty if turning up here in similar form.

Hi Dancer got back to best when winning twice over hurdles in the spring and run respectably on Flat since, second to Dr Irv at Redcar (1¾m) last month. Return to 2m should suit and needs considering.

Pegasus Prince is a 3-time winner at Southwell and won over hurdles/fences for Keith Reveley. Potentially well treated back on Flat but new yard hasn't had a winner since May 2011.

Spiders Star was a fair staying handicapper at her best but not been anywhere near the top of her game so far this term, running no sort of race at Ripon last time. Cheekpieces refitted now.

Manager Mick ran just about his best race to date when fifth in a C&D handicap in May but well held at Carlisle since and refitted visor needs to spark improvement for him to get heavily involved here.

Pugnacious ran best to date when plugging-on second in first-time blinkers at Catterick (1½m) last time. Shapes as if well worth this try up in trip and less exposed than most here.

Almost Gemini was no better than mid-field in 3 1¼m maidens this spring but related to some smart sorts and could prove a totally different proposition upped in trip on return from break (has been gelded).

Asteroid Belt put up just about his best effort for new yard when staying-on third to Sweet Fairnando over 1¾m at Redcar last time. Step up to 2m should suit and can't rule out with cheekpieces now back on.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Almost Gemini
2. Jawaab
3. Hi Dancer

Timeform Verdict: The likes of Jawaab and Hi Dancer look sure to go well, but the well-bred Almost Gemini is a potential blot on the handicap back from a break and gets the vote.

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Boogie Shoes is presumably not the easiest to train, and spoilt a progressive career curve when bombing out twice in June. Bounced back after a break when third at Ascot last time, though, and stays this far.

Madam Macie benefited a from return to front-running tactics when winning at Carlisle and Hamilton in June but has to bounce back from 2 below-par runs since, shaping amiss most recently.

Silvery Moon is a consistent sort who made it 2 wins from his last 4 starts returned to 1¼m at Doncaster early last month. Trip too far next time and unlikely to be far away despite career-high mark.

Proud Chieftain improved plenty in handicaps in 2011, scoring 3 times, and added to tally at Newmarket last month. Ran as well as could have been expected in face of stiff task in minor event there last time.

Gala Casino Star is a useful handicapper who is in the form of his life, completing hat-trick at Nottingham last month. Race probably came too soon next time and not ruled out despite even higher mark.

War Singer was a useful performer in France, winning 5 of 9 starts up to 1½m. Fit from hurdling when third on Flat return at Newbury before finding trip too short next time. Potentially on a fair mark.

Prussian has been a regular winner in 2012, scoring 4 times, and showed she's still progressing when narrowly failing at Sandown last week (pair clear). Strong claims from same mark if this doesn't come too soon.

Beaufort Twelve is an all-or-nothing type who won sole start at 2 yrs. Improved again this term when neck second at Windsor in July but next 2 runs have been poor. Dropped to a fair mark but risky.

Full Toss returned from 4 months off to win at Ayr in May, and again showed he goes well fresh when making all at Newcastle 2 weeks ago. Opposable off 6 lb higher in this better event, though

Jack Who's He won his first 2 starts at 2 yrs and not discredited upped in class thereafter, often making the frame without winning this term. Often races lazily, so step up in trip may help.

Angel Gabrial is a useful hold-up performer who has thrived in handicaps this year, winning at Sandown in July and Newmarket 3 weeks ago. Likely to have the race run to suit and probably still has more to offer.

Lucky Henry is a Nottingham maiden winner who has shown useful form in defeat this year, good third here on penultimate run. Not sure extra distance is what he wants, though.

Nemushka was a dual winner at 2 yrs, and back to form when landing 9f Yarmouth handicap last month. However, struggled off this revised mark next time and similar scenario awaits.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Angel Gabrial
2. Prussian
3. Gala Casino Star

Timeform View: Prussian is likely to be popular after just failing off this mark at Sandown 6 days ago but narrow preference is for fellow 3-y-o Angel Gabrial, who won at Newmarket last time despite not having the race run to suit. Gala Casino Star has thrived for most of the summer and can be expected to bounce back after a short break.

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Diaminda is a Diamond Green half-sister to smart sprinter Fayr Jag. Made very promising debut at Doncaster (6f) in June and confirmed that with smooth success at Ascot last time. Remains capable of better.

Dream Maker won a Bath maiden and Chester nursery last month. Has run as well as could be expected in stronger races since and this slightly easier. Still probably not quite up to this standard though.

El Manati is a half-sister to useful sprinter Kellys Eye. Some promise when fourth at Newmarket on debut, disadvantaged by the run of the race, and looked good prospect at Leicester last month. More to come.

Graphic Quest has quickly developed into a useful filly, winning 2 small-field events at Ascot and Windsor in the spring. Came up short in the Queen Mary but this is easier and step up in trip should suit.

Jadanna is steadily progressive, landing Hilary Needler before her fifth at Royal Ascot. Stamina seemed stretched at Newmarket on penultimate start but failed to back it up over 5f last time.

Malilla is a Red Clubs filly who was last of 4 on debut at Ascot but much better on last 2 starts, off the mark over 6f at Newbury last month. More to come but this is a step up in class.

Mists of Time cost £20,000 as a yearling and is a half-sister to the useful Arnold Lane. Tough task on debut though and easy enough to swerve.

Rayaheen is a daughter of 1000 Guineas heroine Natagora who overcame greenness to make an impressive winning debut in 6f Nottingham maiden. Struck into when down the field last time. Can do better.

Supernova Heights is a well-bred filly who has shown a fair level of ability in her 3 runs so far. Work to do with Tantshi on latest running though and wouldn't be open to the same improvement as that rival.

Tantshi is an Invincible Spirit half-sister to 7f winners Kammaan and Toolain. Overcame inexperience to make winning debut at Newbury last month and should confirm superiority over Supernova Heights here.

Tassel travelled strongly to make a winning debut at Newmarket in April. Not gone on in 2 runs since but was found to have a blood disorder after Royal Ascot. May bounce back but risky.

Threes Grand made a winning debut at Windsor, and better form when third in Hilary Needler at Beverley, but limitations exposed in better company since. This slightly easier but others more persuasive.

Winning Express is closely related to 6f/7f winner Reason To Believe and half-sister to 9.5f winner Lady Arabella. Impressive when landing Sandown maiden on debut last month and open to plenty of improvement over 6f.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Winning Express
2. Tantshi
3. Diaminda

Timeform Verdict: Winning Express looked a good prospect when winning at Sandown on her debut and that form has been advertised since. She could prove the answer in a trappy event. Tantshi and Diaminda could be the pair to chase her home.

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Handsome Ransom got off mark at third time of asking in maidens when winning at Kempton in May (1¼m), but absent since flopping over that C&D the following month and tried in cheekpieces now.

Misdemeanour was unbeaten in couple of starts as a juvenile and hadn't done much wrong this term before disappointing at Ascot last time. Can be expected to bounce back and has dropped 2 lb as a result.

Estebsaal made a promising debut at Newmarket in June and improved on back of lesser effort to win 10-runner 1m maiden at Nottingham last time by 7 lengths. Will stay this far and initial handicap mark looks fair.

Al Baidaa has suspect attitude, but showing progressive form in handicaps, following up 10.3f Chester success with good second at Wolverhampton in blinkers/hood combination (only hood retained here).

Mawhub is a Singspiel half-brother to useful French 5.5f/6.5f winner Les Troyens from family of Oh So Sharp. Much improved from debut when winning 12-runner maiden at Newmarket and respected on handicap bow.

Popular showed a good attitude to get off the mark at fourth attempt in a 1¼m polytrack maiden here in June, but chance now depends on bouncing back from a lesser effort at Nottingham last time.

Debating Society was value for extra when winning 10-runner 1¼m event at Epsom last time by a length, winning cosily (idled) and looks to hold strong claims of following up under a penalty.

Venetian View is not the most straightforward and probably better on AW, all 3 successes in last 12 months coming at Kempton, though not discounted from handicapping point of view from this reduced turf mark.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Debating Society
2. Estebsaal
3. Misdemeanour

Timeform Verdict: Debating Society showed improved form to get off the mark at Epsom last week and is taken to double up here. Dangers are abound though, in particular fellow last-time-out victor Estebsaal, while Misdemeanour can be excused a rare below-par effort last time.

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